Mrs Jagjeet was encourages to submit her entry by her daughter in law. - JAGJEET SINGH
Calvin Chin Min Khai found out he was one of the grand prize winners of the Be A Star After 50 campaign when he was on a hiking trip in Japan.
The 52-year-old was elated and a little surprised.
“My friend told me about it and I looked for my name among the consolation prize winners. I was happy and thankful when I realised I won the grand prize. What an achievement at the age of 52. I have never actually won a grand prize before,” said Chin who’s “always liked running”.
“I ran my first full marathon 12 years ago. I have a nine-to-five job and usually do my trainings after work,” shared Chin, the winner in the Sporty category.
Organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Nutren Optimum by Nestle Health Science (NHSc), the campaign celebrates Malaysians aged 50 and above who refuse to let age get in the way of leading a fulfilling life.
Choo spends much of her time helping the less fortunate.The contest was open to those who have proven themselves to be exemplary role models in the four pillars which form the S.T.A.R. acronym: Sporty (physically active), Tender-hearted (charitable and community work), Ambitious (upskilling and self-improvement), and Radiant (health and wellness).
The first runner-up for the Sporty category is Lim Goh Chit and the second runner-up is Dr Interjit Singh.
Camie Choo Chai Ha, 61, however, was confident of winning the grand prize in the Tender-hearted category.
“I wanted to win and use the money to give back to society. From my 50s, my purpose has become all about giving back to society and having a meaningful life. I have been doing charitable work for years by giving motivational talks and donating goods to orphans, single parents, old folks homes and the underprivileged,” said the philanthropist.
Ahmad Kamil Mohd Yusof is the first runner-up for this category and Choy Lai Sim is the second runner-up.
Grand prize winner in the Ambitious category, Mrs Jagjeet Singh, 82, submitted her entry for the contest just before the deadline.
“Everybody called me and asked if I had submitted. I was in Cameron Highlands at that time. On the way back, during the whole car journey, I had a piece of paper and was planning how to summarise my life in 50 words. I took the pictures from Facebook, put it together and submitted it just at midnight.
Exercise and yoga is what gives Wong the energy to lead a fulfilling life.“My daughter-in-law encouraged me to enter as she said I am the picture of health. I don’t look like I’m in my 80s because of my lifestyle,” said the writer and founder of Nordic Walking.
Jacey Choo and Zambri Darudin are the first and second runners-up in the Ambitious category.
Meanwhile, Wong Goe Chuan, 76, who won the grand prize in the Radiant category was unsure at first about submitting her entry.
“A friend of mine encouraged me to join but I thought that radiance is about being young and happy. Then I realised that anyone can be radiant ... there is no age limit to it. The main idea is that radiance has to come from inside,” said the teacher who says that exercise and yoga give her the energy to go through life.
The first runner-up for the Radiant category is Lee Kiew Yong while the second runner-up is Jag Singh.
Impressed by the submissions was Cheah Tuck Wing, founding president of Third Age Media Association, who was one of the judges.
“Heartiest congratulations to all the winners. It is heartening to see successful seniors giving back and contributing to the community in so many ways. Loving yourself and others gives joy and purpose in life. For those who didn’t win, remember you are all ‘stars’ in your own right when you live a healthy, active, happy life,” said Cheah.
The other judges were Gerontologist and Founder of Seniors Aloud Lily Fu, founder of PWD Smart FarmAbility Dr Billy Tang, founder of A Cut Above Datin Winnie Loo, chief creative director of Bon Fashion Legacy Bon Zainal and Malaysia’s Flying Doctor Tan Sri Jegathesan Manikavasagam.
“Finding a purpose in your life after 50 means figuring things out at a time when you know yourself the best. There’s no limit to how much you can grow, learn, and become a better version of yourself,” said Tang.
Extending her congratulations to campaign organisers too, Fu said such campaigns go a long way in helping to change long-held public perceptions of seniors as “frail, senile and ready to kick the bucket!”
“The winners will inspire other seniors to approach retirement positively as a golden period of life where they can finally pursue personal interests and contribute to society. Also to show that we can still enjoy good health, remain active and even start new projects regardless of age,” said Fu.
Loo said that she was “so impressed with the driven older individuals shining brightly and living life to the fullest.”
Head of Cluster (MYSG) at Nestlé Health Science, Jason Jezewski said: “By inviting Malaysians to submit their success stories to the Be A Star After 50 contest, we hope that it will inspire others to celebrate healthy aging and experience life to the fullest.
“This is also part of Nestlé Health Science’s aspirations to encourage Malaysians to take care of themselves as they grow older so they live optimally and with vitality.”
